Katharine Coleman

Circularity Advocate & Visionary · Archive

Portland, OR

In My Own Words

As a community-centered visionary, I’m guided by a deep passion for circular fashion, sustainability, and equal access to the outdoors. I see every experience as a chance to learn, grow, and share knowledge whether through conversation, collaboration, or quiet observation.My work is rooted in sustainable education, textile and garment circulation, and both social and environmental advocacy. At the heart of it all is a desire to create meaningful, lasting impact and connection between the natural world and the individuals who inhabit it now, as well as those who will have the joy of experiencing it in the future.A lifelong learner by nature, I follow curiosity and challenge into new perspectives, cultures, and uncomfortable & exceptional adventures. Travel, connection, and shared storytelling are how I gather and return inspiration, with the hope of sparking it in others too.I love to chat passions and learn from others across all disciplines and walks. Feel free to reach out if you do too.

Work Experience

Circular Business Development Representative

Fashion Show Producer

Flora & Flair

2024 – 2024

Founder and producer of untraditional fashion shows and fashion related events. Giving young creatives the opportunity to work with a diverse set of individuals and showcase their work in a professional setting.

Sustainable Education Intern

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

2023 – 2023

Assisted Zoo Troop educators in facilitating lessons on animal welfare and environmental sustainability for students from preschool through eighth grade. Designed and led an original lesson on sustainable fashion and textile pollution, promoting awareness of clothing's environmental impact.

Textile Circularity & Policy Research Fellow

The Or Foundation Ghana

2022 – 2023

Researched secondhand textile flows and trade data to inform Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy. Translated global waste analysis into actionable insights for circular design and sustainable education. Collaborated with nonprofits to advance textile circularity and material reuse initiatives.

Research Apprentice

The Or Foundation Ghana

2022 – 2023

Spearheaded several different research projects including the imports and exports of second-hand goods as well as research regarding sales tax differentiations on garments nationally and internationally. This research supported work towards Extended Producer Responsibility policy.

Collectofus 3.0 Research Fellow

The Or Foundation Ghana

2022 – 2022

Participated in a series called Collectofus 3.0 that allowed a select group of designers to create both a garment and adjacent learning plan for an individual to aid in communicating the labor that goes into artisan made garments.

I focused on a general understanding of circular design, waste and pollution in the textile industry, working conditions and living wages in the educational resources.

Executive Team Member

The Cincinnati Sustainable Fashion Initiative

2019 – 2022

The Sustainable Fashion Initiative is an organization in Cincinnati that focuses on the education and application of ethical and zero-waste practices around the fashion and textile industries.